Some of you all-season grill masters are probably thinking “What hibernation? I grill all year round!” While there are a number of barbecue enthusiasts that never put their grill away, our list of grill winterizing tips is geared towards individuals who are looking for grill storage tips for winter. And if your grill isn’t going to be used for an extended period of time, following these basic steps are helpful parts of any maintenance program.
If you have a propane grill that you want to store properly, read on to learn the best ways to prepare your grill for winter storage!
Clean It Now
Putting a grill away dirty for winter is a big no-no. Grease and food residue will harden and be much more difficult to get off several months later. This can also attract mice and insects looking for a protected place to spend winter. The best thing to do after your last barbecue of the season is to heat up the grill to burn off any residue. Then, wash everything with soapy warm water.
Prevent Rust
One simple way to protect the metallic parts of your grill and prepare them for winter storage is to use spray cooking oil. This will repel moisture and limit corrosion of the steel parts, and it will easily burn off in the spring when you heat the grill up for the first time. Don’t forget the grills and cooking surfaces. While winterizing, why not take a look at the frame and chassis of your grill? If any paint is chipping, sanding it down and applying a heat-resistant anti-corrosion paint means you don’t have to spend time doing it in the spring when the nice weather hits.
Protect the Burner
The burner of a propane grill is obviously the heart of the operation, so it requires special attention. Remove the burner from the grill, and once coated in spray cooking oil, wrap it tightly in a plastic bag. Sealing the burner this way for winter storage will keep spiders and insects from nesting inside. Many barbecue enthusiasts know that when they can’t get their propane grill to light properly or burn evenly in the spring, it’s often due to spiders taking up residence in the tubes. With the burner and the ends of the hoses wrapped in plastic, you’ll save time when you’re ready to get your grill out again in the spring.
Safely Store Your Fuel
Unlike with gasoline, propane fuel doesn’t require any specific winterizing. Propane has the advantage of having an indefinite shelf life, so no stabilizers are required. Simply disconnect the tank from the grill after ensuring the vale is tightly closed, and store it outside, upright and covered. Never store a propane tank in your basement or garage — the safest place is outside in case of a leak. As with the burner and hoses, a simple piece of plastic taped over the inlet will ensure that nothing nests inside and blocks the propane flow.
Protect Your Grill for Next Season
Find an out-of-the-way place in your garage or shed, or under a barbecue cover, for your grill to sleep for the winter months. If you’ve prepared your propane grill according to these winter storage tips, you should have no problem reassembling it in the spring when you’re eager to start grilling again. Even if you plan to grill all year long, going through the cleaning and verification steps at the start of winter is the best way to ensure your grill is as ready as you are! If you need propane for your grilling needs during any time of the year, Contact Foster Fuels to get a tank refill as well as learn more about how propane can help you save money today!
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